Rotary bike race ready to ride

Plans for the 30th annual Jamestown Classic, an all-day multi-bike race event to be held on Monday, Columbus Day, Oct. 10, are taking shape.

According to Race Chairman Steve Mecca, it promises to be an exciting day for racers and viewers. Children riders ages 4 through 12 will begin the program at 8:30 a.m. on a short course and their race will be followed by the 30th annual BankNewport Round the Island Bike Race on a 19.1 mile loop that starts off at 9:30 a.m. Firstthrough fourth-place medals will be awarded in 15 age categories for children, men, and women.

Due to demand, the race committee has added a new category for men 70 and older. Challenge cyclists, tandems, unicycles, and teams will also be a part of this years program. The United States Cycling Federation licensed and professional riders will be back this year for a road race beginning at 11:30 a.m. as they compete for over $2,000 in cash prizes.

T-Shirts and refreshments will be available for all children and adults and to the USCF early registrants. The best place for viewing this exciting event is downtown by the Community Center, where commentary on the race will be updated as the race proceeds around the island.

The Rotary Club is seeking volunteers to serve as road monitors, pace/trail drivers, and helpers. Anyone willing to assist should contact Nick Morenzi, at 423-2407 or knick112@cox.web. Online information and registration is available at www.jamestownclassic.com.

The Jamestown Classic is organized by the Jamestown Rotary Club with the sponsorship of BankNewport, Star Gas, Narragansett Electric, Caster, W. E. Stedman, Ten Speed Spokes, Narragansett Bikes, Pedal Power, Crystal Spring, Miller Scott & Holbrook, Paul Bailey’s Chrysler Plymouth Isuzu, Howard Johnson Inn-Middletown, Genlex.com & Traxliteracy.com, and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority. Proceeds will be used for youth and senior causes in the community and for the purchase of wheelchairs for disabled children and adults in Nicaragua.